Cosmetology at COLLECTIV Academy-Worcester

COLLECTIV Academy-Worcester punches above its weight in Massachusetts cosmetology training. While its first-year earnings of $20,720 trail the state's top performer by about $5,500, graduates land solidly above the state median and rank in the 81st percentile nationally—meaning they out-earn graduates from roughly four out of five cosmetology programs across the country. The $10,667 in debt is manageable given the income trajectory, though it runs slightly higher than Massachusetts's median of $8,740.

What makes this program particularly noteworthy is the earnings growth: graduates see a 30% income increase by year four, reaching $26,886. That's unusual in cosmetology, where earnings often plateau early. This suggests COLLECTIV's training translates into skills that command higher pay as graduates build their client base and expertise. The school serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (47%), making this upward mobility especially meaningful.

For families weighing trade school options in Massachusetts, COLLECTIV offers a reasonable path. Your child won't graduate with the highest immediate earning potential in the state, but they'll likely earn more than most cosmetology certificate holders nationally while carrying debt that equals just half their first-year income. If your student shows entrepreneurial drive—critical in this field—the strong four-year earnings suggest they'll have room to grow beyond entry-level salon work.